When the murder trial begins at the high court in Pretoria in August, advocate Malesela Teffo, who famously abandoned the Senzo Meyiwa case, is shockingly back and will continue to represent accused numbers one through four.
After claiming that his life was in danger and that he was withdrawing from the trial, this happened.
Teffo stated in a letter to the high court on Thursday that the problems that led to his withdrawal had been rectified, and he would be going back to court for the trial.
The letter says: Since then, we have resolved the issue of withdrawal with the parties involved in this issue. I am still a defense counsel for Defendants 1-4.
When he withdrew on June 12, Tefo stated that his withdrawal was the result of harassment by the state and courts. .. He told the court that he had been harassed by police and the public prosecutor’s office and that he had been told not to participate in the case.
“I deserve and demand respect for this court. I came here knowing what the consequences would be.” When Tefo announced his retirement, he added that he would return to his reporting role on behalf of the Meiwa family.
He accused Judge Tshifiwa Maumela of not admitting human rights abuses allegedly committed by his former client, and accused Maumela of harassing him.
Tefo also said that President Cyril Ramaphosa was the catalyst for the threat, but Ramaphosa denied that claim. In his statement at the time, President
said: The president is not involved in criminal investigations or processes, nor is he involved in the perceived or actual harassment of lawyer [Malesela] Teffo.
“As a court official and legal professional, Tefo must assess the level of truthfulness required to uphold such claims regarding an institution or individual.
“The President supports the values of our Constitution and respects the safety, security and justice of all.”
The letter says: Since then, we have resolved the issue of withdrawal with the parties involved in this issue. I am still a defense counsel for Defendants 1-4.
When he withdrew on June 12, Tefo stated that his withdrawal was the result of harassment by the state and courts. .. He told the court that he had been harassed by police and the public prosecutor’s office and that he had been told not to participate in the case.
“I deserve and demand respect for this court. I came here knowing what the consequences would be.” When Tefo announced his retirement, he added that he would return to his reporting role on behalf of the Meiwa family.
He accused Judge Tshifiwa Maumela of not admitting human rights abuses allegedly committed by his former client, and accused Maumela of harassing him.
Tefo also said that President Cyril Ramaphosa was the catalyst for the threat, but Ramaphosa denied that claim. In his statement at the time, President
said: The president is not involved in criminal investigations or processes, nor is he involved in the perceived or actual harassment of lawyer [Malesela] Teffo.
“As a court official and legal professional, Tefo must assess the level of truthfulness required to uphold such claims regarding an institution or individual.
“The President supports the values of our Constitution and respects the safety, security and justice of all.”